In addition to the release of macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 yesterday, Apple also unveiled a new battery replacement program for 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro users. Apple says the new app is valid for users with MacBook Pro models who “experience problems with the battery not charging more than 1%”.
The MacBook Pro’s Battery Problem
In a support document, Apple says that a small number of MacBook Pro models of 2016 and 2017 are suffering from a problem where the battery will not charge more than 1%.
A very small number of customers with MacBook Pro computers of 2016 and 2017 experienced the problem that the battery does not charge more than 1%. The battery status on these devices also indicates that ‘service is recommended’. If the status indicates that your battery is normal, it will not be affected by this issue.
macOS Big Sur 11.2.1, released to the public yesterday, also contains a solution to prevent this problem from occurring with other MacBook Pro computers of 2016 and 2017. This means that MacOS Big Sur 11.2.1 may not resolve the issue for MacBook Pro users who are already experiencing it, but it should prevent it from occurring in additional users.
Eligible for MacBook Pro models
Usually, when Apple launches a new pairing or service program, it creates a tool that allows users to insert their serial number to see if they are eligible for the program. That’s not the case this time around, but Apple’s just saying that a ‘very small number of users’ is affected.
To find out which MacBook Pro model you have, click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the macOS menu bar and select “About This Mac.” Then search for the description of your MacBook Pro. Apple says the following 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models are eligible for the free battery replacement:
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, two Thunderbolt 3-ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, two Thunderbolt 3-ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, four Thunderbolt 3-ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3-ports)
- MacBook Pro (15 inches, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15 inches, 2017)
You can also check your battery health by going to System Preferences, clicking Battery, then selecting Battery in the sidebar and clicking Battery Health. In MacOS Catalina or earlier, hold down the Option key and click on the battery icon in the menu bar to display the battery status menu.
Apple says users affected by this should see the message “Recommended service” in the Battery Health menu. The company will inspect all computers “before service” to verify that they are eligible for the free battery replacement. “
Apple typically charges $ 199 for battery replacements in the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models, but users who experience this issue can have their battery replaced for free. Apple advises users to contact Apple Support to have their battery replaced for free.
Are you experiencing this issue on your 2016 or 2017 MacBook Pro? Are you planning to have your battery replaced by Apple for free? Let us know in the comments.
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